On Wednesday, Phyllis, Cameron, and John visited the hilly area of NW Grant County and south Douglas County on a wildflower excursion. About 12 miles northwest of the vineyard, we entered Rock Island Grade at 650 feet elevation. This is near the north end of the parking spaces at Rock Island Dam. Eventually we got up to about 3,700 feet. We stopped at Duffy Creek (dry) for photos just a couple hundred yards through the gate, at about here:
47.526712, -120.05115
Google Earth shows considerable patterned ground. 
My friends were impressed {Yeah Right?} that I knew something about this. Mostly grass and sage on the mounds, but otherwise flowers were everywhere. Along with a dozen types, the Bitterroots Roots were plentiful and in full bloom. The flowers are about 2.5 to 3 inches across. {Note to self: next time use something for scale.} The Wiki page is informative.
We had a lunch a mile or so NW, from where — on a distance ridge — two white objects (“looked light light bulbs”) said Phyllis. We continued on for a tour of Waterville — Home of the Shockers**, and then back south via Badger Mountain Road. Going south, on the west, we approached the prior seen objects. Cold-War Radar installations, I assume. I can’t find information.
**Shockers – – this was/is a major dryland wheat area and young folks learn to shock wheat as well as play football. In the past they did; not so much now.
Thursday was a nice weather day, so we met for Pétanque where my performance was lacking.
Friday was the funeral of a man I’ve met but hardly remember. One of the Orcutts. I know many of the family, especially a sister Suzy and a daughter Dannica. Suzy and Bob West have been friends for 20 years. Dannica has be working for the College of the Sciences – Dean’s Office – doing relationship things, but has recently taken a broader university role in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. She is one of my go-to people at CWU because of the student awards I provide, so that and the family friendship (others I know less well) makes the funeral connection.
I went to the late-afternoon event but not the afternoon Catholic mass. The event was held at a venue (Sweetwater Ranch) that mostly hosts weddings just 0.8 miles north of me.
Saturday and Sunday – – just busy with some outside things and kitchen chores.
Keeping Track
on the Naneum Fan
John